The first official images and details of the new Vauxhall Astra hatchback have been revealed. Designed to rival the Focus and Golf, the family car will go on sale from this October.
The new Astra sports some major design changes to both the exterior and interior to give the car a more radical look and upmarket feel, responding to the recent updates for the rivalling Ford Focus.
Notable changes to the exterior include a new front grille which is partially covered by chrome detailing. The roofline also slopes at the rear more than the current Astra and the headlights and rear lights have been given sharper redesigns.
Even though the new Astra is lower and has a shorter wheelbase than its predecessor, Vauxhall says it actually offers more cabin space. The interior also receives higher quality trim panels and more comfortable seating.
The centre console has a less cluttered design and comes complete with an infotainment system sporting a new, larger touchscreen that’s also bigger than the screen found in the latest Vauxhall ADAM or Corsa.
Engine options for the new Astra are set to include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol used for the latest ADAM and Corsa. Both 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol turbo units are also likely to feature, along with a 1.6-litre Whisper diesel and the same 2.0-litre turbo for the VXR variant but with upgrades.
While only the five-door hatchback version of the Astra has been revealed so far, a three-door hatch and five-door estate are expected to be launched as well.
Pricing for the new Vauxhall Astra hatchback has yet to be confirmed, but online reports suggest it will start from about £13,000, undercutting the Ford Focus in the process.
